Steering and brake lockup - Dodge Diesel

Tackdriver · 12-15-2002, 07:37 PM

Hello When it gets cold, only then, do I have a problem. I lost the PS pump last year, it was replaced under warranty. Thats when I noticed the problem. 1998 12 V BTW. On a cold morning or evening, I have NO power assist. The brake pedal is as hard as a rock, and the steering wheel takes two hands to turn. If I get the truck rolling forward, like 5 feet, then it will be ok. After the truck warms up, then it will be OK. Moisture in the system?

richard · 12-15-2002, 08:32 PM

You may have moisture in the system,try flushing the system, then refill with synthetic fluid, the synthetic fluid will flow better in the cold and is less prone to moisture inhibition.

Dieseldude4x4 · 12-18-2002, 09:46 AM

If I remember right on the 12V's, the vacuum pump is driven off the power steering pump and is mounted behind the PS pump.(my 89 and 95 were this way) If the 98's were that way and you have vacuum assist, could be a problem with the vacuum pump. If you have a 3500, something is amiss with the PS pump because it supplies to hydraulic force for the brake system, at least it does on my 99.

BigBlue · 12-18-2002, 11:23 AM

I know on mine or my dad's, when your at a dead stop on a cold morning, or even when it is warm out but the engine is cold, the steering wheel is hard to turn. I've always attributed it to the weight of the big tires, the weight of the engine, and the fact that the fluid hasn't quite made it's rounds thru the pump.

Casey Balvert · 12-19-2002, 06:10 AM

Sounds like a PS pump problem. Both brakes and steering are assisted by hydrauling pressure produced by the PS pump. It may be a difficult problem to find since it only lasts a short time. Have you checked with the dealer regarding any TSB's for this? You might have a look at Dave Fritz' site as he has a listing of TSBs on there. Good luck. Casey

12-15-2002, 08:32 PM	#2
richard Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Warwick RI. Posts: 323 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering and brake lockup You may have moisture in the system,try flushing the system, then refill with synthetic fluid, the synthetic fluid will flow better in the cold and is less prone to moisture inhibition. __________________ 1991 2wd d350, cummins, 12' reading service body, 1997 12v longbed xcab 4x4, 4:10 lsd, tow pkg, cd changer, galaxy dx66v, Cooper Discoverer ST 235/85/16 10 ply, 8' dump body, Custom fab steps,laser cut delivery valves, Bosch 70hp injectors,TST #10 plate, 3KGSK, Larry B's starter contacts, K&N air filter, Skyjacker 2.5" lift front springs, 9' plow, Air lift Super Duty Airbags,. Central hydraulics,LED hideaway strobes. 2005 3500 slt, qc 4x4 dually, knapheide sevice body

12-18-2002, 09:46 AM	#3
Dieseldude4x4 Administrator Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Claremont, Virginia Posts: 3,401 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering and brake lockup If I remember right on the 12V's, the vacuum pump is driven off the power steering pump and is mounted behind the PS pump.(my 89 and 95 were this way) If the 98's were that way and you have vacuum assist, could be a problem with the vacuum pump. If you have a 3500, something is amiss with the PS pump because it supplies to hydraulic force for the brake system, at least it does on my 99. __________________ 99 3500 QC 4x4 five speed, 81 Dodge 150 with the leaning tower of power (slant 6), 2010 Mustang GT Premium (five speed baby) 2010 HD Road King Classic Board of Officers NCDTR #1 / President Virginia DTR Chapter #7 / DTR administrator CLICK HERE to get a copy of the DTR Membership form and join our local Virginia chapter. IT'S FREE!! Just print it out,,,, fill it out,,, and PM me for the address to mail it to!

12-18-2002, 11:23 AM	#4
BigBlue Banned Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 0 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering and brake lockup I know on mine or my dad's, when your at a dead stop on a cold morning, or even when it is warm out but the engine is cold, the steering wheel is hard to turn. I've always attributed it to the weight of the big tires, the weight of the engine, and the fact that the fluid hasn't quite made it's rounds thru the pump.

12-19-2002, 06:10 AM	#5
Casey Balvert Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 925 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Steering and brake lockup Sounds like a PS pump problem. Both brakes and steering are assisted by hydrauling pressure produced by the PS pump. It may be a difficult problem to find since it only lasts a short time. Have you checked with the dealer regarding any TSB's for this? You might have a look at Dave Fritz' site as he has a listing of TSBs on there. Good luck.<br><br>Casey __________________ 2003 DRW, QC, Black Laramie Sport, 2WD, HO/6 Speed, 4.10, "No Drill" Pullrite 25.5 Super 5th, J&J Stainless, Brakesmart, Jacobs EB, MBRP Pro 304 SS Exhaust, Timbrens, Tire Sentry, Line-X. 2004 Mountain Aire Fifth Wheel, tandem duals with XPS Ribs, solar, inverter, RotoChoks.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode